IVV vs TMAR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. TMAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | TMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $14M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +14.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +22.09% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 7.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -9.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 21, 2025 |
IVV vs TMAR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while TMAR returned +22.09%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 14.55% for TMAR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.5% for TMAR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -9.9% for TMAR. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while TMAR charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for TMAR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and TMAR share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or TMAR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while TMAR charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or TMAR?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +22.09% for TMAR, so TMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +22.13% for TMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or TMAR?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.5% for TMAR. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs TMAR -9.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and TMAR?
IVV and TMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and TMAR?
IVV and TMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or TMAR?
IVV yields 1.09% while TMAR yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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